What is the story about?
Blake Lively has officially reacted to federal judge Lewis J. Liman’s dismissal of 10 out of 13 claims against her It Ends With Us co-star and director
Justin Baldoni. She had accused him of harassment and defamation. Her accusations, including breach of contract, retaliation, and aiding and abetting in retaliation, will be heard in court on May 18. Ahead of the civil court hearing, Lively broke her silence and issued a statement, which was then shared on Instagram. The actress said she is grateful for the court’s hearing, which will grant her the chance to present her side of the story.
Blake Lively reacts to court's dismissal of claims against Justin Baldoni
In the statement, Blake condemned the internet for projecting her ongoing case with Justin as ‘Celebrity Drama’. Calling it irresponsible, the actress said, “Physical pain from digital violence is very real. It is abuse.” Hoping that her lawsuit against Baldoni encourages women in future to speak up against harassment and ensure better working environments, the actress assured, “My claims won't be the first or last time you'll see examples of the extreme dangers of retaliation and digital warfare.”Adding ‘digital manipulation has been boasted as untraceable’, Blake mentioned that work towards exposing ‘systems, tactics and players who harm’ has already begun, and her fight to create safer workplaces will continue even after the trial ends. She ended the statement by assuring that she will never stop doing her part to fight the system and expose those who seek harm and retaliate against victims. “I know it's a privilege to be able to stand up. I will not waste it,” Lively signed off.
Why did court dismiss Blake Lively's claims?
On April 2, Judge Lewis J. Liman dismissed harassment and defamation allegations. He denied harassment claims, stating that under California law, it did not hold up because the set of It Ends With Us, where the misconduct allegedly occurred, was in New Jersey. According to reports, the judge also told the actress that she was ineligible to level claims of harassment and retaliation because she was an independent contractor rather than an employee.As per a BBC report, the judge reacted to Blake’s defamation allegation against Justin’s lawyer, Bryan Freedman and said it did not hold up for a trial. However, Liman found her claims that accused the actor-director of engaging in ‘co-ordinated campaign' to attack her character and reputation, worthy of trial.
